These instructions apply to the Hyundai Tucson Mk4 (NX4) 2020-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
To change the wiper blades on a Hyundai Tucson Mk4 (NX4, 2020–present) you first put the wipers into their service position so the arms lift clear of the bonnet. Hyundai uses the wiper stalk’s ‘MIST’ position to trigger it — here’s the routine.
The service position — also called the maintenance or winter position — lifts both wiper arms up and away from the glass so you can reach the blades. You’ll want it whenever you renew the blades, and it’s genuinely useful in cold weather: standing the arms up overnight stops the rubber freezing to the screen, where it can tear the moment the wipers run. It also opens up the scuttle for clearing leaves and grit. On the Tucson this is a designed-in feature, not a fault, and it’s reached with the short MIST-hold routine below rather than any dashboard menu.
Why There’s a Service Position
The Tucson parks its wipers low, tucked down against the scuttle beneath the trailing edge of the bonnet. That keeps them out of sight and out of the airflow, but it leaves little room to raise an arm from where it rests. Lift a blade straight up from park and the arm can foul the bonnet lip — an easy way to bend the arm or chip the paint. The service position first drives the wipers up onto the open glass, so the arms swing clear with room to spare.
Before You Begin
- Bonnet closed — the arms travel up into the space the raised bonnet would occupy, so leave it shut until the wipers have stopped.
- Wipers parked — start from the normal rest position, not mid-wipe.
- Move promptly — the MIST hold has to come within about 20 seconds of switching off, so be ready.
- Free any frozen blades first — ease stuck rubber off the glass by hand, or the motor can strain.
- Have the right blades ready and work one arm at a time so an unsupported arm can’t drop back onto the screen.
How to Set the Tucson Mk4 Wiper Service Position
- Make sure the bonnet is closed and the wipers are parked.
- Turn the ignition on, then off.
- Within 20 seconds of switching off, hold the wiper stalk in the ‘MIST’ position (push it up/towards you for a single wipe) for about 2 seconds.
- The wipers move up to the service position and stop.
- Lift the arms off the glass and renew the blades.
Returning the Wipers to Normal
Once the new blades are fitted, fold both arms carefully back down onto the screen. Then turn the ignition on and operate the wipers briefly — they sweep back down and settle into their normal parked position under the scuttle. A squirt of washer fluid and a test wipe will confirm the blades sit flat and clear cleanly.
If It Doesn’t Work
- Too slow — the MIST hold must come within about 20 seconds of switching off; try again promptly.
- Didn’t hold long enough — keep the stalk in MIST for the full couple of seconds, not just a flick.
- Bonnet open — the function expects the bonnet closed.
- Wipers weren’t parked — let them finish and rest before you begin.
- Blades frozen — free them gently first, or the motor may stall.
Changing the Blades
With the arms raised, support each one as you work so it can’t spring back and crack the glass. Most Tucson blades use a common clip or hook fitting: release the catch where the blade meets the arm, slide the old blade off, and clip the new one on until it locks. Check it’s seated firmly before you let go, then lower the arm gently onto the screen rather than letting it snap down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I lift the Tucson Mk4 wipers to change the blades?
Turn the ignition on then off, and within about 20 seconds hold the wiper stalk in the MIST position for roughly 2 seconds. The wipers rise to the service position and stop, giving you room to lift the arms.
Do I need any tools?
No — setting the position needs only the ignition and the wiper stalk. Beyond that you just need the correct pair of replacement blades.
How do I get them back down?
Fold the arms onto the screen, turn the ignition on and flick the wipers briefly — they return to their normal parked position on their own.
Can I lift them at the parked position instead?
Best not to — from park the arms foul the bonnet lip, so forcing them up can bend an arm or chip the paint. Use the service position, which clears them first.
Why won’t the Tucson enter the service position?
Usually the MIST hold came too late or was too brief. Switch the ignition on then off, and within about 20 seconds hold the stalk in MIST for a full couple of seconds, with the wipers parked and bonnet closed.
Does setting the service position reset anything?
No — it only moves the wiper arms. It doesn’t touch service reminders or any other setting, and the wipers return to normal as soon as you cycle them.
To clear a service reminder after maintenance, see our Tucson Mk4 service reset guide. For warning lights, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Hyundai. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.